To Whom it may concern:    

UNIT 1 – Trane, 4 Ton. Mfg. 2009. Refrigerant: R410A, 14 SEER

Condenser: M# 4TTR4048A1000AA

                   S# 9051MPJ2F

Coil:            M# 4TTXFH054A53HHAB

                  S# 9031TTL5

UNIT 2 – Trane, 4 Ton. Mfg. 2014. Refrigerant: R410A, 16 SEER (photo 2)

Condenser: M# 4TTB6048A1000AA

                   S# 14244JW72F

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On April 9^th, 2024, J&G Heating and Air Conditioning inspected the A/C systems at the address above because of no cooling.

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FINDINGS

UNIT 1:

Upon arrival, we found the unit noisy on start-up (see video IMG_4989.mp4).

We checked the ratings for

• Compressor: drawing 12.3 A (rated 20.5A)
• Compressor capacitor: reading 69.4 MFD (rated 70.0 MFD)
• Condenser fan motor (CFM): drawing 1.25A (rated 1.4A – low amp raw/DEFECTIVE ).
• CFM capacitor: reading 5.74 MFD (rated 7.5 MFD – DEFECTIVE)

Upon connecting our digital gauges to the outdoor condenser, we measured the following pressures/temperatures:

• Pressure: 128.4/285.9 PSI
• Subcooling temperature (S/C): 1.9 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 7-9 ºF)
• Superheating temperature (S/H): 18.7 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 8-15 ºF)
• Suction line temperature (SLT): 62.5 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 48-55 ºF)
• Vapor saturation temperature (VSAT): 44.2
• ΔTº (differential between return and supply air temperature): 9 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 18-20)
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For an explanation of these values, please see the link here below:

https://www.jghvacpro.com/education/definitions

These values suggest that the system has a defective CFM and a defective CFM capacitor. Moreover, the unit is low in R410A refrigerant (3-4 lbs.)

RECOMMENDATIONS

Due to the age of the system (15 years old), we recommend the replacement of a complete 4-Ton system (condenser, coil, and 80% AUFUE gas furnace – OPTION 1 – )

OPTION 2 - Alternatively, we suggest:

• Performing Preventive Maintenance on the system (see the link below and documentation attached for more information)

• Replacement of a defective CFM
• Replacement of a defective CFM capacitor
• Adding refrigerant to manufacturer’s recommended pressures/temperatures (3-4 lbs.)
• Replacement of a 20x30x1 filter

https://www.jghvacpro.com/education/tune-up

NOTE TO THE CUSTOMER

The system has a refrigerant leak, as suggested by the values measured by our digital gauges. In the case of OPTION 2, a leak check to identify the leaking component is warranted.

A system with low refrigerant will supply air with warmer temperatures to dwelling spaces. Consequently, the system is likely to run for a longer time to satisfy the temperature demanded by the thermostat, causing higher utility costs (low efficiency). Moreover, a longer running time for the A/C system shortens the life expectancy and undue wear on the equipment.

For more information on what a leak check is and how we perform it, please check the link below:

https://www.jghvacpro.com/education/no-refrigerant-necessary

UNIT 2:

Upon arrival, we connected our digital gauges to the outdoor condenser and measured the following pressures/temperatures :

• Pressure: 124.6/432.5 PSI
• Subcooling temperature (S/C): 37.9 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 7-9 ºF)
• Superheating temperature (S/H): 5.9 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 8-15 ºF)
• Suction line temperature (SLT): 48.5 ºF (mfg. recommendation: 48-55 ºF)
• Vapor saturation temperature (VSAT): 42.5
• ΔTº (differential between return and supply air temperature): 11 ºF          

These values suggest that the system has one or more of the following:

• Plugged condenser coil
• Overcharge of R410A refrigerant
• Restricted metering device (TXV) and/or liquid line filter drier at the condenser.

Additional findings:

We found the smoke pipe venting in the attic disconnected from the furnace B vent, allowing carbon monoxide (CO) to accumulate in the attic upon the operation of the gas furnace.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We Recommend:

• Performing Preventive Maintenance on the system, with special attention to the outdoor condenser coil
• Removal of refrigerant overcharge
• Performing a diagnostic on the TXV and LLFD to confirm a refrigerant obstruction.
• Replacement of a defective 45/7.5 MFD capacitor

• Replacement of the furnace B-vent onto the roof, ensuring that the exhaust point is above the roof.

PLEASE NOTE: IT IS NOT SAFE TO OPERATE THE GAS FURNACE WITHOUT RE-PIPING THE B VENT!

NOTE TO THE CUSTOMER

If the metering device is confirmed to be defective upon diagnostic, an estimate for the replacement will be provided.

A thermostatic expansion valve (TXV) is a METERING device, which is designed to regulate the rate at which liquid refrigerant flows into the evaporator. This controlled flow is necessary to maximize the efficiency of the evaporator while preventing excess liquid refrigerant from returning to the compressor.

A defective TXV will reduce the age expectancy of the system and put a strain on the compressor, as well as cause the system to run inefficiently.

The LL/FD is placed after the condenser coil and before the metering device (TXV). The liquid refrigerant that flows from the condenser to the TXV is filtered from particles and moisture before entering it. A working device will filter out particles that are 20 microns or above from the system.  Moisture in a refrigeration system can cause a multitude of difficulties varying from TXV freeze-up to possible compressor burnout. A restriction in the LL/FD also causes the system to run inefficiently and higher energy costs.

J&G Heating and Air Conditioning, LLC

Office: 832-843-6462

www.jghvacpro.com

License n# TACLB00106181E

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